Communication is Key in the Fertilized Egg

Research from the laboratory of Dr. Martin Srayko - Upon fertilization, sperm provide not only genetic material to the future progeny, but a message that instructs the female cell to finish the meiotic divisions.

January 10, 2017

The center image shows a large female oocyte that was recently fertilized. Although many sperm are present (Magenta) only one sperm is allowed to enter the cell (Red, upper right). In response to sperm entry, the female chromosomes (Red, left) finish separating in meiosis I, via a fibrous microtubule spindle structure (Green). After a second meiotic division and many mitotic cell divisions, this fertilized cell will develop into a young worm (as shown) in about 12 hours.